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Assistant Conservator for Special Collections, UNC at Chapel Hill (apply by May 22)

  • 1.  Assistant Conservator for Special Collections, UNC at Chapel Hill (apply by May 22)

    Posted Apr 25, 2016 08:37 AM

    ANNOUNCEMENT OF PROFESSIONAL VACANCY


    POSITION: Assistant Conservator for Special Collections
    AVAILABLE: July 1, 2016


    The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks an energetic, collaborative, innovative, and knowledgeable individual for the position of Assistant Conservator for Special Collections.


    The Special Collections Conservation Lab works collaboratively with five special collections in the Louis Round Wilson Special Collections Library: the North Carolina Collection, Rare Book Collection, Southern Folklife Collection, Southern Historical Collection, and University Archives. This position offers an excellent opportunity to participate in a well-established program of preventive care and treatment for diverse special collections.


    The Assistant Conservator will report to the Head of Special Collections Conservation and will work closely with staff throughout the Wilson Library. For more information, please visit: http://library.unc.edu/wilson/about/conservation/.


    RESPONSIBILITIES


    • Evaluate books, manuscripts, and other collection materials from Special Collections and carry out conservation treatments at varying degrees of complexity.
    • Assess condition and handling needs of materials selected for digitization and provide conservation support for digital projects.
    • Organize and implement conservation projects including planning, estimating necessary resources, and managing workflow as required to meet deadlines.
    • Train and supervise student assistants working in the Conservation Lab.
    • Provide support for exhibition planning and installation, including consultation on physical factors that might
    influence the selection of materials, carrying out treatment prior to exhibition, and constructing cradles or mounts for
    installation.
    • Participate in the management of the environmental monitoring program.
    • Oversee the day-to-day running of the Lab in the absence of the Conservator.
    • Assist with response to emergencies involving library materials from anywhere in the library system.
    • Manage special projects as assigned.


    QUALIFICATIONS


    Required: ALA-accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Science or a Master's degree from an accredited graduate training program in conservation or a related field. Broad knowledge and practical experience in conservation treatment of special collections materials, in adherence with the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works’ (AIC) Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice. Proficiency in a wide range of basic book and paper conservation treatment techniques (including bookbinding) and highly developed hand skills, as demonstrated by a portfolio for those invited to interview. Demonstrated ability to make well-informed decisions regarding complex conservation treatment. Basic knowledge of the history of paper, printing, manuscript production, and binding (structure and decoration) as related to making treatment decisions. Knowledge of the chemical and physical properties of materials used in books and manuscripts and an understanding of the causes of their deterioration. Strong commitment to the role conservation plays in providing access to special collections materials. Excellent interpersonal skills and written and oral communication skills, including the ability to train student assistants. Ability to work productively and meet deadlines with minimal supervision. Strong analytical skills and problem-solving abilities. Effective organizational skills.


    Preferred: A minimum of two years’ experience in conservation of special collections. Experience in a research library. Membership and participation in the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC) or other related professional organizations.


    The University and The Libraries
    The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the country’s oldest state university. UNC-Chapel Hill has an enrollment of approximately 29,000 students, employs more than 3,500 members of the faculty, and offers 69 doctoral degrees as well as professional degrees in medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy and law. The UNC Health Sciences Library is part of the University Libraries and is a recognized leader within the Association of Academic Health Science Libraries. The University Library collections include over 7.5 million volumes. The Library is a member of the Association of Research Libraries and the Center for Research Libraries. Together with the libraries at Duke University, North Carolina Central University, and North Carolina State University, the members of the Triangle Research Libraries Network (TRLN) provide services and collections to their students, faculty, and staff in support of the education, research, and service missions of the universities.


    The University Libraries are committed to increasing the diversity of its staff, and therefore welcomes applications from candidates who bring additional dimensions to our mission and work. The University Libraries invest proudly in our employees, strive to create a diverse environment of respect and collaboration, and encourage vision and innovation.


    The Region
    The Triangle region is one of the most desirable places to live and work in North America and offers its residents a wide array of recreational, cultural, and intellectual activities. The mountains or the seashore are less than half day’s drive from Chapel Hill.


    Salary and Benefits
    This is a twelve-month academic librarian appointment. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Standard state benefits of annual leave, sick leave, and State or optional retirement plan.


    Deadline for Application
    Review of applications will begin on May 22, 2016. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but preference will be given to applications received by the begin review date.


    To Apply
    Please visit http://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/96583 and complete the online application. Please include a letter of application, a resume, and the name, mailing address, email address, and telephone number of three professional references, one of whom must be a current supervisor. Additionally, please indicate in your cover letter where you first learned of this position.


    The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes all to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.